Robot monk to spread Buddhist wisdom to the digital generation

Xian’er with his creator, Xianfian. Photograph: Kim Kyung-Hoon/Reuters In an unexpected synthesis of ancient and modern, a Buddhist temple on the edge of Beijing has developed a robot monk who can chant mantras and and explain basic tenets of faith. At 2ft high, Xian’er is encased in saffron-yellow robes and has a shaved head. Despite spending much of his time closeted in the spiritual calm of Longquan Temple, he wears an expression of permanent surprise. [embedded content] A Reuters video Xian’er at his temple home. His purpose is to reach out to people who are more connected to their smartphones than their inner being. Xian’er can answer 20 simple questions, displayed on the touch-screen on his chest, about Buddhism and daily life at the 500-year-old temple. Master Xianfian, a (human)…